Jack Hemingway, the first born son of the famous writer, Ernest Hemingway, was assigned to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Because he spoke fluent French, Captain Jack Hemingway parachuted into France behind enemy lines on a mission to aid the Maquis or Maquisards (French Resistance). As he jumped from the airplane under the cover of darkness, Jack’s most important “survival gear” included a fly rod and reel, a small assortment of flies and his Papa Nui Long billed cap.
Jack promptly began fishing some of the streams and rivers behind enemy lines whenever he could slip away from his duties. On one occasion he had no sooner wet a line in a promising roadside stream when a German patrol happened by. With the Resistance insignia in plain sight on the shoulder of his jacket, Jack pulled the visor of his Papa cap down on his brow and calmly waved at the passing soldiers as he shielded his arm from their view. He resumed fishing after they had gone.
In homage to Jack and to Ernest, the Papa Nui ‘Pilar’ cap, salutes the war service of these father and son heroes. Modeled in tough GI drab herringbone twill, the Pilar Cap provides the ultimate visor protection for angling a fly on a French stream or drawing a bead on Hitler’s henchmen. At home on the bridge of a Q-Boat off the coast of Santiago or comfortable on a war strewn European river bank, this cap is the result of painstaking research into correct crown shape and visor construction. Forget the malarky and hokem, this isn’t a Ketchum Gas Station find nor a recreation lookalike, this is the real deal, no clever copy writing just the true ‘Gen’.
Whether hunting subs, ripping marlin, or cruising the Gulf Stream with Adriana, this lid has got me covered.
H
Henry L.
Pilar Ahoy!
Feels like a beautiful warm summers day on the beach as soon as the Pilar is on the dome! Super comfortable and great materials. I measure 59cm and the Large is perfect. Great work Papa!
S
Stéphane M.
All good Charly be good
H
Harry S.
Pilar Cap
Loved the cap. I’m a big collector of military/police themed caps and an aquatint brought Papa Nui to my attention. After a quick browse through, I was sadly limited to several hats for my fat head. Settling on the Pilar it was a brave choice given it’s unique brim which I’ve been wearing proudly since. Big fan of the Idaho Duck Hunter camo where now some images of me feeding ducks in it exists! The history/heritage of the brand and the hats themselves is very interesting as well as how they’re made/material choice and I will be purchasing again. I loved the bag it came in too!
Duck hunters are go, thank you Harry, stay in the blind!
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Really loving the new Denim **** Cat Cap - the lighter weight denim is great for summer but the peak is still thick enough to hold it's shape. Great colour too.
Huge fan of Papa's "U.S. Armed Forces Fly Fishing Club" paraphernalia items (patches and buttons). Not just because I fly fish but because these items directly link to an actual informal fly fishing club started by my Area IV Commander at Camp Walker in Daegu, Republic of Korea back in 2007. These patches (and buttons) precisely hit the nostalgia "feels" for me from that time period. And, the sewing & lettering on the the patches precisely mimics the style used then by Korean merchants who had side hustles making custom military patches and sewing for U.S. Forces Korea personnel garrisoned on the Peninsula.
Fly Fishing members club patch
Ed
Will you pls make more of the sub hunter caps?
Hell Cat Olive Drab edition.
Justin
Easily the best hat I have ever worn
I lucked out and found one second hand. Never heard of the brand, but I like duck camo, so I took a chance.
Man, I put this hat on and was blown away. So comfortable, such high quality and such a slick fit.
I have a low crown and this fits just right, not coming down on my ears at all. Absolutely perfect and I will 100% be buying another hat in the future
Hell Cat Frog Camo
Will F.
Fantastic cap!
Second cap from Papa and couldn’t be happier!
Hell Cat Olive Drab edition.
Bryce
Years of unmatched wearing enjoyment.
I’ve been wearing Papa Nui hats for years, from the Denim Devastator to my most recent purchases, and nothing quite compares to the quality, craftsmanship, and enjoyment I get from wearing them.